Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. A/N at end.

Some Scars Never Fade

WendyNat

Chapter 15

~~~~~~~~

"Okay," Hermione said, struggling to understand what Hestia was saying. "Hufflepuffs are easy-" She was interrupted by Susan's snort.

"A lot of people think that – but in truth there aren't too many people who can remain loyal and open through everything that happens in a relationship," Susan said wryly.

Hermione nodded her agreement. "Right. I'll give you that. Especially the open part… I guess that's why all of your advice seems to include 'you should tell him, Hermione'?" 

Susan nodded, smiling slightly. "Very poor impression of my voice, by the way. But… I suppose you're right… well, except that one time…"

Hermione grinned, as did Hestia. Hermione well remembered how shocked she had been when Susan – for once – had counseled her to not tell Viktor about her feelings until she was sure of what she wanted.

Hestia spoke up then. "And that's why you don't see many Slytherin-Hufflepuff relationships."

Susan rolled her eyes. "Yeah, expecting a Slytherin to be open is like expecting a Gryffindor to back down from a fight!"

"Hey!" Hermione exclaimed. The other two burst out laughing.

Hestia sat back, eyeing the other two. "Well – Slytherins can be open. But rarely with many people. There are usually just a few people, if that, that a Slytherin really trusts." Hermione nodded slowly. She had seen that in Severus, definitely. She could count on one hand the number of people he truly trusted enough to open up to: herself, Remus, Tom, possibly Albus. And it had taken years, from what she understood, before he really trusted them.

Suddenly, something occurred to her. "Hestia – have you noticed that the Slytherin circle of trust seems to not include other Slytherins?"

Hestia smiled approvingly. "Very good, young Gryffindor. That's very true."

Susan looked curious. "Why is that? Is it because you know all Slytherins are not trustworthy?" she asked with a straight face, only to collapse in laughter when Hestia shot her an evil glare.

"No, Puff, that's not why. Well, not entirely, at least," the black-haired woman said with a sly smile. "A Slytherin's not going to open up to someone first – the other person has to put something of themselves on the line, first. We're not the type to go barreling into danger without checking out the territory thoroughly. That's why we seem to live a bit longer," she said with a wink. "So with a Slytherin-Slytherin relationship, neither wants to take the first step. It happens, sometimes, but it's much easier with other types of people. And, even once that channel is opened… well, it still takes some time. We observe, keep ourselves safe… until we can trust. Aren't many Hufflepuffs willing to put up with the time it takes for that. And even when we do trust… we don't wear our hearts on our sleeves. It's foolish – too easy to get hurt."

"But it's the only way to live!" Susan protested. "It's not foolish at all." Hestia didn't reply, just looked at the flames. "Hestia – who do you trust?"

"Not many."

"Who?" Susan urged. Hermione sat forward, curious despite herself.

Hestia looked at the other two women and sat back. "Well… Hermione. And even you, Susan, to a point. But the only two I trust completely, right now – Tonks and Remus."

"So you are in love with him, then," Hermione said with a soft smile.

Hestia frowned at her. "What did you think? That I was using him for sex?"

Susan grinned mischievously. "Couldn't blame you, if you were," she said with a wink. Hermione laughed, and Hestia smirked.

"Won't argue with that. Man's a sexy beast. But… yes. I am in love with him. Completely," she said with a sigh. "It's scary."

"First time, huh?" Susan said perceptively.

"In love? Really in love? Yes. First time." Hestia smiled suddenly. "And that's as open as I'll be with you two tonight. So – what house is next?"

"Ravenclaw," Hermione said, popping a Chocolate Frog into her mouth before it could hop off.

"They're easy, too. You have to be smart, but not as smart as they are. Or at least act like you're not as smart as they are. Crazy competitive they are, at least as far as brains go. Worst one-uppers on the face of the planet. Fun to debate with, though. Anyway, they may think they want someone smarter, but if they end up with someone like that they'll never be happy. They can be friends with someone smarter, but not in a relationship," Hestia said. Susan and Hermione both nodded. It sounded reasonable, given the Ravenclaws that they both knew.

All of a sudden Hermione laughed. "Gods, this sounds like some Astrology course on life mates, doesn't it? You know – Virgo and Taurus go together, but not Virgo and Gemini, or whatever."

"Well, if you believe in Divination…" Hestia began until the other two's rolling eyes stopped her. "Seems like we're all in agreement there."

"Right. Now – on to Gryffindors," Susan said, sitting back against the cushions piled on the floor.

Hestia smiled. "We both have experience with that House, don't we, Susan?" Susan smiled. "So tell us – how does a Badger handle a Lion?"

"Same way we handle everyone – loyalty, trust, openness. And distraction. Gryffindors are ridiculously easy to distract," Susan said with a grin. Hestia also grinned, murmuring, "Oh, yes, they are."

"I think that's all men, Susan. Not just Gryffindors," Hermione said with a glint in her eye. "I'm rather… adept… at distracting my Slytherin."

Hestia raised an eyebrow. "I think she has a point there, Susan. But… the method of distraction has to be adjusted for a Slytherin. You can't just jump a Slytherin in the middle of an argument like you can a Gryffindor and expect him to go along with it. You'll get some scathing remark for your efforts." Hestia winked at Hermione. "Although – I suppose you already know that. You're with the King of Slytherins, after all, and if you've been able to successfully distract him, well… on behalf of Slytherin women everywhere, I'm impressed."

Susan still looked perplexed. "What do you mean? I've only been with Neville, really. Well, I mean – I dated in school before Neville, but not seriously."

"Hufflepuffs?" Hestia asked. Susan nodded. "Yeah, also ridiculously easy to distract." Susan shrugged with a small smile. "Well – you know with a Gryffindor, it's easy. They're mad, you walk up all sexy-like-" Susan giggled at this and Hestia gave her a wink "-and say I don't want to fight anymore…" Hestia said this in a breathy voice that caused Hermione to laugh out loud, "And then rip off their clothes." Hestia and Susan both nodded.

Hermione laughed again, until the other two looked at her and then at each other, smirking. She shook her head. "That really works? You weren't joking?"

Susan nodded. "That's it. Pretty easy, really. Or, if you're in the mood, you can act scared at how mad they are… prompt that chivalrous streak in 'em. That works, too."

"Not as much fun, though," Hestia said. Then, turning to Hermione, she added, "Gryffindors aren't much for intrigue, you know. You see what's in front of you at face value. I think the Lion men see it as 'Hey – opportunity's knocking on my door! Better take advantage of it while I can!' While a Serpent will see it as 'Why is opportunity knocking? What is she up to?'"

"Hmm. Makes sense, I suppose. I can imagine Severus' reaction if I tried that kind of heavy-handed approach to distracting him. I don't think Viktor would have even gone for it, to tell you the truth. I used… similar tactics… with him."

"I wonder what house Viktor would have been in at Hogwarts," Susan mused.

Hermione thought for a minute. "I don't know, honestly," she said slowly. "He seemed to have equal parts Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, if that makes any sense… maybe with a little Slytherin mixed in."

"The way he went behind your back and warned off all potential suitors before you were even dating… without you ever realizing it? Definitely some Slytherin there," Susan said.

"Yes, that's true. But he also opens up so quickly," Hermione said, her eyebrows drawn together in thought. "He told me his feelings long before I ever came around."

Hestia shrugged. "He was young. Takes a while to really learn to be a good Slytherin. And there are different levels, so to speak. Most everyone has a mix of all the houses, of course. You're definitely part Ravenclaw and I'd say some Slytherin also, and Susan has a bit more Gryffindor in her than I would have expected of a Hufflepuff."

Susan looked at Hermione. "So… how do you distract your Slytherin man, then?"

Hermione grinned and sat back, closing her eyes for a moment. "By getting in touch with your inner Slytherin, of course. Sneak up on him during the argument; get close enough to touch without being obvious about it. A little touch here, a little touch there – let him think you're slowly coming around to his point of view. Now, if he is right then you agree with him – you still have to slowly come around or he won't believe you're sincere. If you don't think he's right, you do the same thing but before you actually agree with him, you strike."

"Strike, hmmm? Is this where the sexy voice and ripping of clothes takes place?" Susan said, grinning widely.

Hermione shook her head. "Too heavy handed, still. No, you put your arms around him, or caress his cheek, or his neck, wherever he's most sensitive – besides there, Susan!" Hermione laughed at Susan's knowing look. "I swear, you wouldn't last two seconds with a Slytherin. Anyway, then a little kiss on the neck – you have to go slow enough to make them think it was their idea, basically. It distracts them enough, and then they think they're seducing you, and bam! Argument's over!"

Hestia nodded approvingly. "Very good, very good." She took a sip of her tea, eyeing Hermione speculatively. "So – you have the distraction technique down. But you're still lacking in other areas."

"What do you mean?"

"Well – first of all – a Slytherin will get away with whatever he can. It's our way. We don't want to hurt the ones we love, of course – no one does - but if you let him think things aren't hurting your feelings when they actually are… not a good idea. No need for that silly stoic Gryffindor stiff-upper-lip mentality." Hestia paused for a moment and took another sip before continuing. "That's not to say you ought to blubber all over him any time he does something you don't like, just let him know in no uncertain terms what's not acceptable. You certainly should never tell him that you can put up with a lot, like you did at the Leaky Cauldron earlier."

"But it's the truth, Hestia."

Hestia rolled her eyes extravagantly. "That's the problem with you Gryffindors – telling too much of the truth. Don't ever lie to a Slytherin, but you don't need to tell them all of the truth, all of the time, honey. You shouldn't, actually. We use everything you tell us, you know." Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "None of this advice gets back to Remus, you hear?" Hermione and Susan laughed.

"Well… he has been a friend for many years, you know, Hestia…" Hermione began, interrupted by the pillow that Hestia flung at her. "Hey, you almost knocked my tea over!"

"Sorry," Hestia said, not quite contritely.

"No problem. You've given me some good advice, so I guess we're even."

"Hmm. We'll be even if you promise on your little Gryffindor honor not to give Remus any handling-Slytherins advice," Hestia said, crossing her arms.

"I don't know that I can promise that," Hermione said with a wink in Susan's direction. Suddenly Hestia smiled wickedly.

"I could always visit my fellow Slytherin one day and give him some valuable handling-Gryffindors advice."

Hermione laughed. "He seems to do that quite well already. But – okay. I won't tell Remus what you've said here."

"Good."

"Hey – I think I heard something," Susan said suddenly. Sure enough, the door to the study opened a moment later. Remus immediately went to the nearest chair and collapsed into it, while Neville stumbled over to where Susan was sitting and sat down clumsily beside her. 

Severus was, by far, the most steady on his feet of the three men – but Hermione could tell he'd indulged a bit more than usual as he made his way over to where she was sitting. "I do hope we aren't interrupting anything of import?" he said. Hermione shook her head. "Very well, then perhaps you could assist me in an important project… namely, finding the flask of sobering potion?"

"Here, sit down before you fall down," Hermione said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek as she stood. "I'll get it for you guys."

Susan laughed as Neville laid his head in her lap. "How much did you guys drink? What did you do? Where did you go?"

"Don't tell them anything, Neville!" Remus said, sitting up.

"Leaky Cauldron, then Rosmerta's in Hogsmeade," Neville said.

Severus looked at Remus, rolling his eyes. "Really, Lupin. Did you expect him not to tell the woman? His head's in her lap!"

Hestia had made her way to where Remus was seated and slid beside him. "So, what did you boys talk about?" she purred into his ear, running her fingers through his hair.

Without hesitation, he replied, "Lots of things. Women, tension, arguments-"

"Lupin!" Severus snapped. Just then, Hermione returned with a full flask of the potion, and each of the men took a dose. "Just in time, my dear. Lupin there was about to tell all of our secrets."

Remus grinned, leaning into Hestia's caress a bit more. "Can I help it if I break easily under interrogation?" Severus snorted in response.

Having administered the potion, Hermione settled herself on the arm of the chair Severus was seated in, stroking his hair idly with the fingers of one hand. Looking at the others, she commented, "It's rather late, guys. Do you want to stay in the guest rooms tonight, Neville, Susan?"

"That's not a bad idea, Hermione. Thanks," Susan said. Hermione stood and lead the way to her old guest rooms. "We'll see you at breakfast in the Great Hall, then, everyone. Good night, Hestia, Remus, Severus," Susan said with a wave and a poorly suppressed yawn. Remus and Hestia also gave their farewells and left.

A few minutes later Hermione returned to the study to find Severus seated in the same chair, staring into the flames. Walking up to him, she slid into his lap and put her arms around his neck. "Did you have fun tonight?" she asked.

"Mmm. Surprisingly, yes. It was a rather enjoyable evening," Severus said. He shifted his head to nuzzle at the sensitive spot on her neck, his next words slightly muffled as a result. "Although… I could think of something that would be much more enjoyable."

"It's late, Severus," she protested weakly as he continued to kiss and nuzzle her neck.

"Really?" he murmured against her skin. She let out a small gasp as his hands began to roam slowly over her body.

"We have to get started early tomorrow-"

"Is that so?" Her robe slid off her shoulders to drape over the edge of the chair.

"Th- the bases will be ready early for the next set of ingredients," she said unevenly. Unconsciously, she shifted as his hands continued to move over her, lingering in certain areas.

"Indeed," he breathed, pulling back to look at her. Her breath caught as she stared into his eyes, black and endless, burning… She squeaked when he suddenly shifted and stood, her still in his arms. "Then we'd better not waste any more time," he said in that low, familiar voice as he carried her to the bedroom.

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

The next morning, Severus woke abruptly. Puzzled, he sat still and listened, trying to determine what had brought him out of sleep. The dungeon window was still gray in the predawn light, and the clock on the wall confirmed the early hour.

Then the pounding came again. Sliding out of the bed carefully, not wishing to awaken Hermione, he pulled on his loose lounging pants and grabbed his dressing gown as he walked through his chambers to the front door. Flinging open the door, he looked at the person standing there.

"Remus – to what do I owe this pleasure?" he drawled sarcastically.

"Dumbledore's office. Hermione, too. Some notice he received from the Minister this morning. You have about fifteen minutes. I already told Neville and Susan," Remus said, rubbing his head while trying to suppress a yawn. "He tried to floo you, but it was blocked."

"Ah, yes, I forgot to remove the block after…" Severus stopped suddenly at Remus' knowing look. "Fine, Lupin. We will see you then," he said, shutting the door in the former werewolf's face.

Fifteen minutes later, they were all seated in Dumbledore's office, blinking wearily. Albus laughed at their tired faces and with a wave of his wand summoned a pot of tea. "Late night, folks?"

An inarticulate grunt was Severus' answer. Susan, frustratingly cheery in the early morning, nodded and said, "Yes, Albus. Quite late, indeed. I hope you don't mind us staying over in the guest rooms – Hermione said-"

Albus waved his hand. "Oh, it's certainly fine, Mrs. Longbottom. You're welcome here any time. Apparating while tired isn't the best idea – I'm not fond of picking up pieces of splinched ex-students." Susan laughed, while Neville conjured a weak grin.

"What's going on, Albus," Severus growled. "Other than exchanging pleasantries at this ungodly hour."

Albus chuckled. "Only you, Severus, would refer to picking up pieces of splinched students as a pleasantry. But, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. I received a communication from Cornelius Fudge less than an hour ago, and promised to pass it along. You'll be expected at the Ministry this morning after breakfast.

"There has been a threat levied against the wizarding community, relating to the greenhouse potion you've been investigating." Dumbledore sat back, eyeing Severus seriously for a moment before continuing, "Fudge received a ransom note, of sorts. Perhaps blackmail would be a better term. The short description is: release Draco Malfoy and the Goyles from Azkaban, or the potion will be administered to all of the major greenhouses in Europe."

Severus stared at the Headmaster. "Well, I suppose we now know the connection between the cursings and the potion," he said with a small sneer. "Unfortunately for the people involved, there is no way to perform a wide-scale attack with that potion. It breaks down too quickly-"

Hestia cut him off. "The Manere! That's why they wanted the Manere notes!"

Severus quelled her with a glare. "Contain yourself, Miss Jones. The potion also uses puffer fish eyes, which, as you hopefully learned-"

"Can't withstand any form of Apparition, including Portkeys. Of course," Hestia said, sitting back. "Do you think these people know that, though?"

"Unlikely. Otherwise they wouldn't have bothered to steal the notes for the Manere," Dumbledore said. Looking at them over his spectacles, he said, "You understand this is to be held in the utmost secrecy. I'm sure you can imagine the panic in the wizarding community if this information were to be leaked before an appropriate response has been crafted. The Minister has requested Hestia, Hermione, Severus, and yes - you, Neville, to meet with him – I believe he desires your help in producing the response." They nodded, and the Headmaster sat back with a small smile. "I believe it's time for breakfast now. Please join us as our guests, Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom."

They all stood and left the office, each quietly contemplating the new information. As they reached the Entrance Hall, Severus swore quietly and stopped walking. At Hermione's questioning look, he said, "The next ingredients need to be added to the bases." The others continued into the Great Hall, leaving them alone.

"Is it too early to do it now, before we leave?" Hermione asked.

Glancing at the time, Severus shook his head quickly. "They've simmered for an adequate period, I believe. You run along, eat – I'll add the ingredients and meet you there."

"All right." Hermione stifled a yawn. "Bring some pepper-up potion with you. I don't think any amount of caffeine will be enough to keep me from yawning in Fudge's face."

"I apologize for keeping you… up… last night," Severus said with a sly smile, pushing a stray lock of hair back from her face.

Twining her arms around his neck, she reached up and kissed him slowly, then pulled back and whispered, "You can keep me up like that any time you'd like… so, apology not accepted." When he attempted to pull her in against him, she danced out of reach and blew him a kiss. "Add those ingredients – Fudge beckons."

With a groan, he watched her walk through the doors of the Great Hall. Her hips swayed seductively, teasingly, as she cast a final glance over her shoulder at him. "Vixen," he murmured, a smile on his face as he swept down the stairs leading to the dungeons. 

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

Kingsley Shacklebolt was just waking up when Fudge's face appeared in his fireplace. "Minister," he said, voice still husky with sleep.

"Kingsley! You have to get in here, we've received a threat!"

Instantly alert, Kingsley threw back the bedcovers and walked to the fireplace. "Go on," he said. Fudge filled him in on the contents of the owl letter he had received early that morning. Frowning slightly, Kingsley rubbed his jaw. Too many coincidences lately, he thought with a sigh. "I'll be right there, Minister." Fudge nodded, then his face disappeared.

Quickly Kingsley muttered some cleansing charms and threw on some clothes. Picking up the tin of floo powder from the mantle, he contacted Tonks and Ron with the news. Obtaining assurances from both that they would be there as soon as possible, he Apparated directly from his bedroom to the Ministry of Magic.

Minutes later, he was knocking on the door to Fudge's office. "Come in, come in," Fudge said, standing up and waving him to a seat. "Would you like-"

"Who else have you contacted, Minister?" Kingsley cut him off smoothly. His voice, deep and rich, filled the room and Fudge jumped slightly at the sound.

"Oh… Dumbledore, Severus Snape, Hestia Jones, Hermione Kru- I mean, Granger, Neville Longbottom…"

"Good," Kingsley said. "Those are the very people I would have contacted, also. For my part, I have called in Ronald Weasley and Tonks."

"Good, good… perfect," Fudge said, drumming his fingers nervously on the desk.

Kingsley let out a deep sigh. "If you don't mind, Minister – could I see the package you received?"

"Oh, oh, yes, of course." Fudge pointed to a small box sitting on the desk. "Go on, take a look." Kingsley nodded and reached forward. Inside the box was a small flask filled with a dark liquid and a parchment. After casting a few revealing charms to ascertain that everything was what it appeared to be, he carefully unrolled the parchment.

Scanning it quickly, he shook his head. "Both Goyles, and Draco Malfoy, eh? And thus is our connection made," he commented flatly. At the Minister's bewildered look, Kingsley told him of the meeting the previous day concerning the greenhouse owner Renovo Moreau.

"Oh… that's right, you gave me a report… where is it," Fudge muttered, shuffling through the parchments on his desk. 

While Fudge read and muttered to himself, Kingsley sat back and, as he did so, he saw two familiar figures appear in the doorway. "Tonks, Weasley – glad you've made it," he said. After quickly filling them in on the situation, he turned to Fudge. "With your permission, Minister, I'd like to send these two to pay a little visit to the Moreau greenhouse." Like Neville and I said in the report yesterday that you're just now reading, he thought silently. Idiot.

The Minister looked up briefly and nodded. "Well, yes, seems like a logical plan." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Kingsley gestured for his two Aurors to leave. "Now, Kingsley, about this potion… how do you think something like this will affect my plans for re-election?" With an inward sigh, he turned back to the Minister and listened politely, his irritation tightly held in check. Times like these I wish I was still a Field Auror… this administration rot is for the owls.

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

"This is wild, Tonks," Ron said as they walked swiftly to the Apparition point.

"You can say that again, Ron," Tonks replied. "You know where the place is, right?"

Ron nodded. "Neville gave me a good description, and I've located it on the Apparition map."

"Good. Now, hold still and think of the images. And only those images, please," Tonks ordered, pulling out her wand. "Legilimens!" Instantly, her mind was flooded with Ron's memories of Neville's directions and the view of the Apparition map. Satisfied that she could safely Apparate to the location without splinching, she cut off the connection… but not before one more memory seeped into her head. "Damn it, Ron! That's one image I did not need to see this morning!" Tonks fumed.

"Sorry… I've never been great at Occlumency, you know that. And, after last night, it's kind of hard to keep that memory from rising to the front of my mind. Well, you saw-"

"That's more than enough, trust me, Ron. I'm already scarred for life - I have no desire to hear any more about your lewd encounters with Lavender Brown," Tonks said, trying to shake the image out of her mind. "Ugh."

"Oh, come on, it's not that bad. What are you – jealous?" Ron teased.

"In your dreams, Red," Tonks muttered. "So I suppose that means you're back together again?" Ron nodded. "Well, that's good. Try to make it last longer than a month this time, all right?"

Ron laughed. "I'll see what I can do. Anyway – here we are. Ready?" Silently counting, they both Apparated at precisely the same moment.

"Wow. A lot more activity than I would have expected this early in the morning," Ron said. Tonks gave him a disdainful look.

"It's an hour ahead, here, Ron. And most greenhouses like to do most of their work before the full sun hits," she explained. Ron nodded thoughtfully. There were a number of people working in the open fields, and they could make out dim shapes moving around in the front greenhouse buildings.

"Makes sense."

"All right – let's go and have a chat with Mr. Moreau," Tonks said, leading the way through the gates and up the path to the office. Before they reached the office door, one of the field hands took note of them and walked over.

"Bonjour!" the man said, looking at them curiously.

Not trusting her French, Tonks smiled and said, "Bonjour, and good morning. Do you spea-"

"Oui, yes, I speak English. How can I help you," the man said with a thick accent.

Ron spoke up, "We were interested in speaking with the owner, Renovo Moreau. Is he in yet?"

"No… Monsieur Moreau is not in the office for many days. He is ill."

Ron and Tonks looked at each other, eyebrows raised. "Really? How unfortunate," Tonks said.

"Yes, yes it is. Now, if you will excuse me," the man said, obviously anxious to get back to his work. Ron held out a hand politely.

"We haven't properly introduced ourselves. I am Ronald Weasley, and this is my partner Tonks. We are Aurors with the British Ministry of Magic," Ron said as he shook the other man's hand firmly. Peering around casually, he continued, "It must make your employer proud to know that you are working so hard, even in his absence."

"Yes, I am sure it does. He sends us instructions by owl post every morning, so we are not without his leadership. Everything – it runs like he is here in person," the man said with a proud smile. "I am in charge while he is gone, you know. I am Xavier Bonet, please, call me Xavier."

"Thank you, Xavier," Ron said. "Now… where can we find Monsieur Moreau?"

Xavier's eyes narrowed. "What do you need with him?"

Ron didn't answer at first, flicking his eyes to meet Tonks'. Clearing her throat, she caught Xavier's eyes in an earnest gaze. "We are concerned for his safety, Xavier. It's important that we find where he is."

Xavier nodded slowly. "I wish I could help you, but I don't know where he lives. No one here does, I think. He always keeps to himself. Monsieur Moreau is a very private man."

"Would it be possible for us to take a look around his office? We won't disturb anything, but maybe something will give us some clue as to where he is," Ron said hopefully.

Xavier looked from Tonks to Ron, and then back again, thinking the situation over. Eventually, he nodded. "All right. I will do this. I am a good judge of people – you look to be telling the truth… and if Monsieur Moreau's safety… yes. Come with me," he said finally, decisively, as he pulled out a ring of keys and opened the door to the main offices.

Moments later, Ron and Tonks were standing in Renovo Moreau's office, Xavier watching them from the doorway. With the ease of long years working together, Ron and Tonks set out in different directions, circling the office and committing anything of interest to memory. Pulling out a notepad, Ron began to jot down information as he perused the desk. Tonks gave him a knowing look when she saw the notepad make an appearance. As he opened the drawers of the desk, he continued to make notes periodically.

Suddenly, he froze for a moment and shot a glance at Tonks, deliberately laying the notepad on the desk and bending down to investigate the drawer further. Finishing her own circuit of the room, she nodded at him. Clearing his throat, he turned to Xavier.

"Well, thanks, Xavier. I think we found some clues as to where he may be," Ron said, smiling at the man as they walked from the office. Just outside of the main building, before Xavier had a chance to pull out his key ring, Ron patted his robes and looked at Xavier sheepishly. "Ummm – I seem to have left my notepad in the office. I'll be right back," he said, swiftly returning through the door. A few moments later, he returned with the notepad in his hand. "Thanks, Xavier – this would have all been for nothing if I had left this behind." Tonks gave him an inquiring look and he smiled, nodding slightly.

Upon Tonks request, Xavier gave them one of the parchments that Renovo had sent while out ill. With profuse thanks and further promises to let him know if they found anything out of sorts, they Apparated back to the Ministry of Magic. 

As they walked up the Ministry steps, Tonks turned to Ron. "All right, Red. What did you go back and get from the desk?"

"Just this," Ron said, stopping in the lobby and pulling four flasks from different pockets of his robes. Two contained potions with a slight blue tinge, and the other two were filled with a dark sludgy liquid.

"Four flasks," Tonks said. "And do you have any idea what's in them?"

"Well, if I had to make a guess… two of them are samples of our plant problem potion, and the other two…" Ron stopped and rummaged in his pockets again for a moment before whipping out a small plastic bag filled with...

"Hair. Blond hair. Dear Merlin…" Tonks breathed.

Ron nodded. "It was in the same drawer, next to the potions. I'll bet my life that the other two flasks are Polyjuice."

_________________________________________________________________

A/N: Only one day between updates – hope that makes up for the long wait between 13 and 14! Hopefully everyone enjoyed the chapter… a bit of a cliffhanger, but I've become rather fond of them. I'm also rather fond of reviews, so please – let me know what you think about the chapter… especially pacing, etc…. Thanks!!! And special Thanks to Nataly for the idea of analyzing the men from all houses, not just Slytherin – I used some of her ideas from the review she left. Thanks!

Nataly – See above :). And thanks for reviewing!